SALEM—The Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) has scheduled a public hearing to receive input on rule changes for the State Energy Efficiency Design (SEED) program. The hearing begins at 9:30 a.m. on March 22 at ODOE’s office (625 Marion Street NE) in Salem.

The proposed rule changes include:

New definitions for “Highly Efficient Facility” and “Leadership in Energy Efficient Design (LEED)” certification, and

Establishing a standard for how state buildings meet and demonstrate energy-efficiency standards.

The public can submit written comments at the hearing or send comments by mail to the SEED Program Manager, 625 Marion St. NE, Salem, OR 97301, or via e-mail to james.denno@state.or.us. ODOE must receive comments by 5 p.m. on March 15, 2011.

Created by state law in 1991, SEED’s purpose is to ensure that new and renovated state buildings employ cost-effective energy conservation measures that reduce energy use. For more information on SEED, please visit the ODOE website at: http://www.oregon.gov/ENERGY/CONS/SEED/index.shtml.

To request an interpreter for the hearing impaired or to accommodate persons with disabilities, please contact ODOE at least 72 hours before the meeting by one of the following: Phone 1-800-221-8035, TTY 1-800-735-2900, or fax 503-373-7806.